Chinese intelligence uses job sites to target UK officials, MI5 says

MI5 has warned that Chinese intelligence services are posting fabricated job advertisements on major employment platforms to identify and recruit UK government and military staff. The bulletin, issued jointly with the intelligence agencies of the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, states that agents pose as recruiters for think tanks or private firms seeking foreign-policy or defence analysts.

Applicants are first asked to submit trial reports on topics such as China's relations with other countries, defence or trade. The conversation is then moved to encrypted messaging apps, where candidates receive payments ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars per report.

The agencies said the primary targets are individuals holding security clearances, particularly those working in defence, foreign affairs, security and intelligence. Military personnel who have served in the Indo-Pacific region are also listed as high-value prospects.

Even staff without direct access to classified material can still provide details on government policy or military strategy that would be useful to China, the bulletin noted. After reviewing submitted CVs, agents conduct virtual interviews while concealing their identities.

They probe for information about government contacts and military activities before requesting more sensitive material.

The alert was released while Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper was concluding a state visit to China. Members of the UK delegation used burner phones during the trip due to security concerns. " — MI5 bulletin, June 2026 The warning also highlighted risks to academics, journalists, think-tank employees and others with indirect links to defence or policy work.

The Conservatives called for stronger action against China and criticised the government's approach. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said she had raised Lai's case during the visit and would continue to do so, describing him as an elderly man whose release should be pursued as soon as possible.